Setting Up Utilities in Mexico: Internet, CFE Electricity, Water and Gas (2026)

Setting Up Utilities in Mexico: Internet, CFE Electricity, Water and Gas (2026)

Utilities in Mexico work differently from the US — different billing cycles, different registration processes, and different reliability profiles by city. Here's what to expect with each utility and how to set them up correctly from day one.

Internet: The Most Important Utility for Most Expats

Telmex Infinitum — The Default Choice

Telmex is Mexico's dominant residential internet provider with the broadest coverage footprint. Service is generally reliable in major cities and most established neighborhoods. Plans run 300–500 Mbps at $500–$800 MXN/month ($28–$45 USD). To establish service, visit a Telmex Centro de Atencion (or use an authorized retailer) with your RFC, residency card, CURP, and proof of address. Installation typically takes 1–2 weeks after the order. Telmex's fiber (TotalPlay Telmex partnerships in some areas) is faster where available.

Reliability reality: Telmex outages in most major expat cities are occasional rather than chronic. Guanajuato's canyon topography creates more connectivity variability than flat cities like Merida or Queretaro. If you work remotely and need uninterrupted connectivity, set up Telcel mobile data as a backup before you're dependent on Telmex alone.

Izzi, Megacable, and Totalplay

Izzi (cable internet) competes with Telmex in most major markets, often offering comparable speeds at similar pricing. Totalplay (fiber optic where available) has strong reviews in its service areas. Megacable covers many cities in central and western Mexico. Check availability by address at each provider's website — coverage genuinely varies street by street in some cities. If Izzi has infrastructure on your block, it's worth comparing.

Telcel Mobile Data as Bridge or Backup

For your first 2–4 weeks while waiting for Telmex installation, and as a permanent backup for power users, Telcel's LTE/5G prepaid plans are practical. An 'ilimitado' plan runs $350–$600 MXN/month ($20–$33 USD) with unlimited data on Telcel's network. Telcel has the strongest national coverage of any Mexican carrier — including in smaller towns and rural areas where Telmex or cable providers may not reach.

CFE — Electricity

CFE (Comision Federal de Electricidad) is Mexico's federal electricity monopoly. Bills arrive bimonthly (every 2 months). In most rental properties, the electricity account is either in the landlord's name (you reimburse through rent or directly) or transferred to you. To register a new account or transfer one into your name: visit a CFE service center (CAFECER or UNICA locations — find yours at cfe.mx) with your RFC, residency card, CURP, and the existing account number from the meter or a previous bill.

CFE Cost: Air Conditioning Is the Variable

CFE uses a tiered rate structure. Low-consumption households receive subsidized rates. High-consumption households (sustained AC use) pay significantly more at the higher tiers. The practical result: in highland cities (Guanajuato, Queretaro, CDMX, Oaxaca) where no AC is needed, bimonthly CFE bills run $400–$1,200 MXN ($22–$67 USD). In coastal or hot cities (Merida, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan) with continuous AC, summer bimonthly bills can reach $3,000–$6,000 MXN ($170–$340 USD) or more. Budget for this when evaluating cities — it's a real monthly cost differential.

CFE App and Online Payments

The CFE app (App CFE) has improved significantly. You can check your current account balance, pay bills, track consumption history, and report outages. Set up the app as soon as you have your account number. Autopago (automatic payment) links to your BBVA account and eliminates the bimonthly payment errand.

Water (Agua)

Water is managed by municipal water authorities that vary by city — SAPASMA in Guanajuato, JAPAY in Yucatan, Agua y Drenaje in Nuevo Leon, and so on. Most landlords include water in rent or handle it as a building expense. If you need to register independently, visit your local water authority office with your residency card and address documentation. Bills are inexpensive — typically $50–$200 MXN ($3–$11 USD) per bimonthly billing cycle for a typical household.

Drinking Water

Municipal tap water in Mexico is technically potable in many cities, but infrastructure variability means most residents — Mexican and expat alike — drink purified water rather than tap. The standard solutions: 20-liter garrafones (large water jugs) delivered to your building at $30–$60 MXN each, replaced weekly or biweekly; or an under-sink filtration system (Berkey, Aqua Pure) for longer-term residents. Most buildings in expat cities have garrafon delivery built into the building service. Ask your landlord which applies.

LP Gas

Most Mexican homes use LP (liquefied petroleum) gas for cooking stoves and water heaters. Gas is delivered two ways: by truck (tanque portátil — you hear the distinctive jingle truck and wave it down, or call a company number) or piped from a building estacionario tank (periodically refilled by the gas company). LP gas companies vary by city: Zeta Gas, Gas Plus, Tomza, and regional providers.

Cost: a 20kg tank runs approximately $200–$400 MXN ($11–$22 USD) and lasts 3–6 weeks depending on usage. A building estacionario refill for a typical multi-unit building costs $1,500–$4,000 MXN and is typically handled by the building administrator. If you have individual tanks, make a note when your tank is getting low — running out of gas midway through cooking is a routine expat learning experience.

Phone and Communication

Your Mexican phone number (Telcel or AT&T Mexico, purchased at any OXXO with your passport) is technically a utility for daily life. WhatsApp is Mexico's primary communication platform — more important than voice calls or email for most daily interactions. Set up WhatsApp with your Mexican number as your first communication priority after landing. CFE, IMSS, SAT, and most service providers use Mexican phone numbers for account verification.

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Master Guide ($47) covers utilities setup by city: mymexicomove.com/shop | paul@mymexicomove.com